PPA's Conversation Series kickoff at Parker's Table January 14th was a delight to attend with some 20-25 fellow donors. Following Agnes' introduction, Post-Dispatch columnist Bill McClellan regaled PPA donors for just shy of an hour with colorful stories from his decades on the front lines of city newspaper reporting, relating it all to the upcoming men's production of Act III of The Front Page at Bowling Green.

Having worked the crime beat, McClellan recounted times when individual reporters and police officers cooperated, or not, over the years; how the relationship between law enforcement and local news reporters has shifted over the decades, including the impact of the 24 hour news cycle and rise of new media; and his thoughts about what's next for the news industry.

To wind up, PPA Artistic Director Agnes Wilcox lead a Q&A in which McClellan entertained a range of questions from the audience. He plans to attend the Front Page performance. After hearing him at the event, I hope we will get to hear his thoughts on that production. Another real treat at the event: PPA Board member and Alumni Theatre Company actor Edgar Evans offered a reading from Hamlet.

Parker's Table was a great choice of venue for the event, gracious and intimate, with attentive staff and superb central location off Clayton Rd. Gourmet nibbles and a short list of red and white wine offerings hand-picked by owner Jon Parker were very popular. To cap off a fine evening, we left with a couple bottles (as did several others), and a bar of Patric ginger chocolate, and fully intend to visit PT again very soon for more.

As for PPA's Conversation Series, be on the lookout for the second installment this spring. You won't be disappointed.